Elon's Webb subdues App State long enough

Published: Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 12:21 AM.

BOONE — Five perfect innings from pitcher Kyle Webb nearly weren’t enough for the Elon University baseball team Saturday afternoon.

But the Phoenix had enough offense in what became a 10-8 Southern Conference victory, evening the series at one game apiece.

Appalachian State’s seven-run sixth inning for the second day in a row put a scare into the Phoenix (24-26 overall, 16-10 Southern Conference), which shares second place in the league.

Webb (6-2) lasted eight innings six days after throwing a complete game in Elon’s most-recent victory. He struck out the side in the first and fourth innings on his way to eight total strikeouts with only one walk.

The Mountaineers (25-18, 12-12) managed seven of their eight hits off Webb, who gave up eight runs but only three of those were earned. Webb is 6-0 in conference play.

Niko Fraser provided Elon with a two-run single during a four-run third inning. Wil Leathers pounded a two-run homer in the fourth inning. Through five innings, the Phoenix led 9-0.

It was 9-8 going to the ninth. Will Callaway’s two-run single in the sixth was among the key plays in the comeback.

BOONE — Five perfect innings from pitcher Kyle Webb nearly weren’t enough for the Elon University baseball team Saturday afternoon.

But the Phoenix had enough offense in what became a 10-8 Southern Conference victory, evening the series at one game apiece.

Appalachian State’s seven-run sixth inning for the second day in a row put a scare into the Phoenix (24-26 overall, 16-10 Southern Conference), which shares second place in the league.

Webb (6-2) lasted eight innings six days after throwing a complete game in Elon’s most-recent victory. He struck out the side in the first and fourth innings on his way to eight total strikeouts with only one walk.

The Mountaineers (25-18, 12-12) managed seven of their eight hits off Webb, who gave up eight runs but only three of those were earned. Webb is 6-0 in conference play.

Niko Fraser provided Elon with a two-run single during a four-run third inning. Wil Leathers pounded a two-run homer in the fourth inning. Through five innings, the Phoenix led 9-0.

It was 9-8 going to the ninth. Will Callaway’s two-run single in the sixth was among the key plays in the comeback.

Back-to-back doubles by Elon’s Danny Lynch and Chris King gave the Phoenix extra padding in the ninth.

Elon reliever Andrew MacDonald allowed a lead-off single in the ninth, but the game ended when MacDonald snagged a line drive and turned it into a double play.